Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Isolation protocol for a COVID-2019 patient requiring emergent surgical intervention: case presentation
Michael S Firstenberg1, Matthew Libby1, Michael Ochs1
11Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, The Medical Center of Aurora, 1444 S. Potomac Street, Suite 200, Aurora, CO 80012 USA.
This study details an algorithm for performing emergency cardiac surgery on a COVID-19 patient, emphasizing strict isolation protocols to protect the surgical team from the highly contagious virus.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infectious Disease Management
- Patient Safety Protocols
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and morbid.
- Emergent surgical procedures are sometimes necessary for patients with COVID-19.
- Healthcare workers face high exposure risks during these procedures.
Observation:
- A case of a 77-year-old patient requiring emergency cardiac surgery for acute aortic syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The patient had a presumed, and later confirmed, COVID-19 infection.
- This case highlighted the challenges of managing critically-ill patients requiring surgery under strict isolation.
Findings:
- The study outlines a specific algorithm for managing emergent surgical procedures in COVID-19 patients.
- Detailed steps were implemented to maintain strict isolation precautions throughout the surgical process.
- The focus was on minimizing exposure risk to the entire surgical team.
Implications:
- The presented algorithm can serve as a template for other healthcare facilities.
- Implementing this protocol can help maintain high standards of infection prevention in surgical settings.
- This approach ensures patient safety and protects healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

